Beloved New Orleans musician/singer Perrin Lenny Green, described once as having a “velvety soft voice and old-school R&B flair,” passed away recently from complications of an illness. According to Green’s Facebook, the singer was suffering from cryptococcal meningitis, an infection that spreads from the lungs to the brain. Known as a soul singer, songwriter, and music producer with a fun-loving and kind personality, Green worked setting up sound as an Audio-Visual Technician at various events throughout the city — some of which took place at The Convention Center and other large venues. Colleagues remembered him as a calm and collected leader in the AV/production world.
During his music career, Green collaborated with such greats as Irma Thomas and Deacon John, Renard Poche of The Allen Touissant Band, Corey Henry and The Treme Funktet, Michael Ray of Kool and the Gang, Erica Falls, Living Colour, Papa Gros, Roland Guerin, and Ike Stubblefield. Throughout his career, he held residencies at renowned live music venues such as Tipitina’s, The Maple Leaf, Vaughan’s Lounge, and d.b.a. He also performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the French Quarter Festival, and Jazz in the Park on an annual basis. The year 2019 saw the publication of his first solo album, titled All or Nothing, which was followed by three singles that were written during the pandemic. According to a social media eulogy post, Perrin Lenny Green was an indispensable member of the Smokin’ on Some Brass family, but he was also one of the original members of the funky rock band Percy J. Sweet Funk. This most recent endeavor, was a collaboration of artists from New Orleans who were united in their love of funk. It was a throwback to the fantastic sounds of the 1970s for him. According to his social media pages, Green studied Visual Art Education at Xavier University.
Maple Leaf will host The Perrin Lenny Green Festival of Life and Funk Fest Wednesday, Dec. 6 at The Maple Leaf Bar. The free event will feature performances from Smokin’ on Some Brass, Sweet Funk with Renard Poche, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet, Gov’t Majik, and The Soul Brass Band. Please note, the last band will take the stage at 1 a.m. A Second Line will be held at 9:30 p.m. Members of the community are invited to “bring your horns.”
Funeral services for Mr. Green will be held Saturday, Dec. 9 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 1230 S. Carrollton Avenue. Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Providence Memorial Park and Mausoleum, 8200 Airline Drive, Metairie. Repast will be held at Event Center Kenner, 1000 W. Esplanade Avenue, Kenner. For more information, call (504) 353-2062.
